THE WORK and contributions made by local carers will be recognised and celebrated during Carers Week.

Taking place from June 12 to the 18, Carers Week also raises awareness and recognises the vital contribution made by the UK’s 6.5 million carers.

For this year's event Scarborough & Ryedale Carers Resource are focusing on the national “Carer Friendly Communities” theme.

Elizabeth McPherson, Chief Officer , said: “Caring will touch each and every one of us in our lifetime, whether we become a carer or need care ourselves. Whilst caring can be a rewarding experience, without the right support caring can have a damaging impact on a person’s health, finances and relationships. When caring is intensive and unsupported carers can struggle to hold down a job, get a night's sleep, stay healthy and maintain your relationships with friends and family.”

“We have lots of different things happening over the week so do come along and find out more about the support available to family carers. To end the week on a high we are building on last year’s Carers Family Fun Day.

"The event went so well last year with over 100 carers and their families attending, we are keen to make this year’s even better. The carer fun day is for unpaid family carers to come along and have fun as well as meet the team at Carers Resource. Our theme this year is the wild west which was picked by our young carers.”

Elizabeth said the amount and type of support that carers provide varies considerably. It can range from a few hours a week, such as picking up prescriptions and preparing meals, to providing care day and night.

“We continue to raise awareness of issues affecting carers from as young as eight to the very elderly. Carers need to be recognised for the wonderful work they do in looking after family members, friends and neighbours. Please support this campaign to ensure family carers are not forgotten and to let them know there is help out there to support them. If you recognise yourself as a carer or know someone struggling with their caring responsibilities, please do contact us.”

For further information rcontact Scarborough & Ryedale Carers Resource 01723 850155, staff@carersresource.net or go to www.carersresource.net